Question

Which of the following statements is true of the criticisms of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition?

a. It relies too much on the humanistic perspective on abnormal behavior.
b. It does not allow researchers to explore the cause of a problem as it lacks precise classification.
c. It labels an individual as abnormal and provides a dehumanizing, lifelong stigma.
d. It reduces both the reliability and the validity of diagnostic categorization.

Answer 1

The criticism that the DSM-5 labels individuals in a way that may create a dehumanizing, lifelong stigma is recognized as true. This concern is key when considering the impact of diagnostic categorization on social perception and stigma.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the criticisms of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the claim that it 'labels an individual as abnormal and provides a dehumanizing, lifelong stigma' is recognized as a significant concern. Critics argue that the DSM-5 can sometimes contribute to negative perceptions and social stigmatization of those diagnosed with mental disorders. This concern takes precedence over the other options because the DSM-5 does not primarily rely on a humanistic perspective (which would emphasize a more holistic view of individuals) and generally, the manual does have a system for precise classification that allows for research on the causes of various disorders. Moreover, while there are complexities in the diagnosis that may affect reliability and validity, the primary criticism is not that it reduces both but rather relates to the potentially stigmatizing effect of the labels it assigns.